Dark Sky Festival Events
Exmoor Dark Skies festival 2026 - 16 October to 1 November 2026
You may find it useful to refer to a digital copy of the programme (PDF).
A 2 night 3 day break to explore Exmoor's Dark Skies, led by Terry Evans, Chairman of Crewkerne Astronomical Society. The break includes 2 nights Dinner Bed and Breakfast, lunches on Saturday and Sunday, and Stargazing talks and activities including an evening excursion to Holworthy...
Secret Sauna at Cloud farm offering sauna and star gazing sessions at various dates across the festival. £20pp
Come and see the stars at the Poltimore Inn Observatory. Look through high end telescopes and go star hopping with laser guidance. Run by our resident Astronomy Team and backed up with a virtual sky for wet weather/cloudy conditions. £50 adult £40 Children to include a meal....
Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person
Experience the wonders of the cosmos from one of the UK's best dark sky locations. Join us at The Porlock Weir Hotel for an unforgettable evening under the stars, featuring a captivating talk by renowned astrophysicist Professor Roger Davies of Oxford University. This package...
Discovering the Moon’s Influence on Everyday Life, with Jess Twydall Join us for an inspiring evening exploring how the lunar cycle can help us slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and live more intentionally. Discover the different phases of the moon and how each one offers an...
Illustrated talk by Exeter University Astrophysics students, with stargazing opportunity outside after the talk. Advice on equipment, including how to make the most of your smartphone as a stargazing device. The students will show their own photos of deep space, and try to explain...
Join Sophie from Exmoor National Park and the Landmark Theatre Team for a free, drop in Space Adventure VR style! Craft activities and VR fun for all the family.
Join the Exmoor National Park Centre Team to learn all about the moon and create your own phases of the moon slider or mobile to take home. £3 per child. Suitable for children aged 4-11. Parent/adult to stay for the duration of the session.
Discover a secret cove, and even more secret mermaid pool revealed at low tide. Learn about the blaggard who tried to steal the glory from Lynmouth by building a pleasure beach just round the corner! Dip in the safe waters, then warm up with hot drinks and snack along with new friends. £30....
Meet at Pinkery to uncover the Bronze Age legacy of Exmoor and learn about the lives of its ancient inhabitants. As dusk settles, we will embark on a unique twilight walking experience across the sweeping moorland of Exmoor, connecting two ancient sites under the stars: Wood Barrow and...
In this themed event, we take a look at the night sky as told by the Vikings. Come and enjoy a Viking Meal followed by stories of Norsemen, Norse Gods and the constellations of Thor and Odin. A night sky and evening with a difference in celebration of this year's Exmoor Dark Skies Festival...
Ever wanted to learn about capturing the beauty of the Exmoor landscape and dark skies at night? Join local photographer Mark Johnson for a photography experience to remember. Full information on Lorna Doone Website. . Adult £15, Child £8. w3w: revisits.expel.dumpy...
A family star-gazing get-together at the Countygate Carpark with the North Devon Astronomical Society. Bring your own food and drink. The Society will be providing many telescopes to use and Society Members will be on hand to guide you through a journey of the night sky. Free of charge....
Step into a hidden world of colour on this fascinating biofluorescent night walk with David Atthowe from Reveal Nature. Guided through the woodland after dark, you'll use UV torches to reveal nature in an entirely new light. Discover lichens glowing in vivid day-glo colours, fungi...
Book an evening session in one of the Country's largest mobile planetariums where you will be immersed under spectacular night skies with experienced science teacher and presenter Simon Ould from Space Odyssey. A memorable experience for all ages and a must for anyone who's never had...
Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person
Take part on a guided night hike through the Doone Valley and the wider Exmoor landscape. Make the most of the Dark Sky Reserve with the National Trust guide taking the group to some of the best stargazing spots in the valley. £5 adult £3 child....
Discover Exmoor's rocky coast after dark! Join us for a fascinating Night-Time UV Rock Pooling event, where ultraviolet torches reveal a hidden world of glowing marine life. Explore the rock pools of Combe Martin alongside our Rangers and expert volunteers. This event is suitable...
Join us on the Keep Garden as we host Space Detectives, a leading space and astronomy education company. Enjoy an evening of stargazing activities using telescopic equipment, laser guided star mapping, constellation story telling and much more. Wet weather options will include VR...
Come and enjoy an evening of supper and stars within the wonderful world of Exford Bridge Tearooms. Enjoy a hearty cooked 3 course meal cooked by Bruce and then join Pete and Jo Richardson for a journey through the stars. If skies are clear, a short dark sky walk follows a starry...
Experience the beauty of Porlock Bay at sunset with this unique coastal event as part of the Exmoor Dark Skies Festival. Begin with a guided sea dip led by qualified Open Water Swim Coach Unity before gathering at the Porlock Bay Oyster Hut to enjoy freshly shucked oysters and discover...
Join National Park Ranger Tim Parish for a guided walk from Webbers Post (w3w torso.modifies.cheetahs) up to the top of Dunkery Beacon - the highest point on Exmoor as the sun sets. There'll be amateur astronomers on hand to guide you around the constellations if skies are clear. Under...
Join Exmoor National Park Ranger Nathan for a guided nocturnal wildlife walk through the beautiful Heddon Valley, starting from The Hunters Inn. As darkness falls, discover the fascinating wildlife that comes alive at night, from bats and owls to the hidden creatures that call...
Come and see the stars at the Poltimore Inn Observatory. Look through high end telescopes and go star hopping with laser guidance. Run by our resident Astronomy Team and backed up with a virtual sky for wet weather/cloudy conditions. £50 adult £40 Children to include a meal....
Minehead Golf Club join forces with the Exmoor National Park team for a fun evening of quizzing and stargazing. Food options available from 6pm and quiz commences at 7pm. Max 6 per team. Booking essential via Minehead Golf Club Website.
Take part on a guided night hike through the Doone Valley and the wider Exmoor landscape. Make the most of the Dark Sky Reserve with the National Trust guide taking the group to some of the best stargazing spots in the valley. £5 adult £3 child....
Astronomer Seb Jay has been inspiring Exmoor visitors for years - come and learn fascinating facts and stories about the night skies and how to enjoy them. Seb takes us on a journey through time and space, introducing us to the solar system, Milky Way and wider Universe. Two timeslots...
A collaboration between the Queer Nature Club and Arlington Court. Guided walk followed by a fireside creative writing session. The walk through the woods will be led by a National Trust Ranger discussing the mythical and murderous tales in which our trees, plants and animals played...
Join writer, Jade Angeles Fitton, for a walk and talk in the woods of Dulverton. When the Sky Falls, explores the varied influences the shooting star has had on our global culture and history from the governing of kings, queens and emperors, to folklore, superstitions, myths, art,...
Porlock Weir is a magical spot to swim at any high tide, but when the super-high Spring tide coincides with a moonrise it has to be time to slip into the harbour to be completely immersed in the moment. Experienced outdoor swimmers only. Cost £20. Illuminated tow floats essential, please...
Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person
Book at least 2 nights accommodation & join us to celebrate all that is Exmoor (except the glass of welcoming champagne) including a traditional Exmoor menu farmhouse supper & exploring the wonders of the Exmoor dark skies with the highly acclaimed Space Detectives Jo &...
Step into a hidden world of colour on this fascinating biofluorescent night walk with David Atthowe from Reveal Nature. Guided through the woodland after dark, you'll use UV torches to reveal nature in an entirely new light. Discover lichens glowing in vivid day-glo colours, fungi...
Guided by astrophysicist Ian Hall FRAS, Wonders of Our Universe takes audiences on an awe inspiring journey from the explosive birth of the cosmos to humanity's first steps beyond our home planet. Along the way, you'll uncover the secrets of black hols, witness the birth and death of...
As the nights draw in and the days get shorter, join our team at the Exmoor National Park Centre in Dunster for a fun-filled half-term event inspired by hedgehogs! Children can enjoy: Hedgehog-themed arts and crafts, hedgehog quiz trail and a delightful story about Bertie the...
Discover the spectacle of high tide on Porlock Marsh, coinciding with sunrise, and perhaps even the setting of the moon! All in conjunction. We will walk from Porlock village onto the marsh along the new boardwalk, looking out for curlews, shelducks and oyster catchers, to name but a...
Join us as twilight falls and Ashcombe gardens come alive! We invite families to discover the secrets of nocturnal wildlife and their habitats through nature exploration, gather round craft tables to make your own wild creations, and enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows around a...
As part of the Dark Skies Festival Lorna Doone Valley will be hosting a children's fireside story telling session. Join our team and listen to enchanting stories under the stars and around the fire. The event will be taking place in our new play area and forest school. Two sessions to...
Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person
Hidden in the black shales of Lyme Regis are ammonite fossils made of Iron Pyrite. How did these fossils form? Where did the iron and sulphur in them and in our planet come from? These questions and many more will be answered in this journey from the heart of stars to the coasts of the...
Discover the wonders of the universe at our interactive space evening at Quince Honey Farm, hosted by Jo and Pete from Space Detectives. The night begins with a warming supper served in our Nectary Restaurant, followed by an introductory presentation to set the cosmic scene. Next, you...
Come nestle in the warmth under the Exmoor sky after a guided night time walk, taking in woodland, river and coast. An evening of peace and relaxation for mind, body and soul.
An afternoon of family fun to include a space themed trail and quiz along the lakes edge (approx. 2 miles), fireside talk with astronomer Jo Richardson from Space Detectives and our Ranger team, stargazing overlooking the lake, childrens’ activities, hot chocolate and...
A family friendly evening, meeting Exmoor ponies and finding out about Exmoor's nocturnal wildlife. Hot chocolate, marshallows and biscuits included. £8 adult £6 child
A guided hour and a half walk exploring the wildlife of a nocturnal woodland from bats to moths, with some haunting tales along the way and hot drinks at the end. Free entry, sensible footwear and torch recommended. Book by emailing ella.ronan@nationaltrust.org.uk...
A Wonderful evening for all the family, visit the Cliff Railway after dark and experience the magical lights and effects.
Take part on a guided night hike through the Doone Valley and the wider Exmoor landscape. Make the most of the Dark Sky Reserve with the National Trust guide taking the group to some of the best stargazing spots in the valley. £5 adult £3 child....
Channel Events host the Selworthy Stargazer - a 5km or 10km run set on Selworthy Beacon. Brave the dark and embrace the fancy dress for this fantastic night run. £2pp (plus booking fee). Entries open 1st August. Fabulous pre and post refreshments provided by Really Wild Coffee....
On the high reaches of the River Exe, above Exford, a tiny tributary of the river feeds a pond before it drops into the valley to continue its journey. Here, surrounded by wildlife, we will slip into the water to be revived by Nature herself, washing away the outside world. Exiting the...
A family friendly evening, meeting Exmoor ponies and finding out about Exmoor's nocturnal wildlife. Hot chocolate, marshallows and biscuits included. £8 adult £6 child
Experience the thrill of E-Mountain Biking at night! We provide everything you need, including Specialized Tero e-bikes and powerful 1,200 lumen lights! Guided trail and quiet road ride taking in night sky. £55 per person
Come and enjoy an evening of supper and stars within the wonderful world of Exford Bridge Tearooms. Enjoy a hearty cooked 3 course meal cooked by Bruce and then join Pete and Jo Richardson for a journey through the stars. If skies are clear, a short dark sky walk follows a starry...
Come nestle in the warmth under the Exmoor sky after a guided night time walk, taking in woodland, river and coast. An evening of peace and relaxation for mind, body and soul.
A Wonderful evening for all the family, visit the Cliff Railway after dark and experience the magical lights and effects.
Book an immersive 45/60 minute session in the Space Odyssey Planetarium and learn about Space and the universe from Simon Ould - an experienced Science Teacher and Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. The shorter sessions are slightly more suited for families with younger...
Join Jane (our Willow Weaving expert) and the National Park Centre Team to make your own Willow Star. £5 per person. Booking recommended.
On the high reaches of the River Exe, above Exford, a tiny tributary of the river feeds a pond before it drops into the valley to continue its journey. Here, surrounded by wildlife, we will slip into the water to be revived by Nature herself, washing away the outside world. Exiting the...
In this themed event, we take a look at the night sky as told by the Vikings. Come and enjoy a Viking Meal followed by stories of Norsemen, Norse Gods and the constellations of Thor and Odin. A night sky and evening with a difference in celebration of this year's Exmoor Dark Skies Festival...
Do you dare to ride the Cliff Railway in the dark, at Halloween? With staff in costumes, Halloween decorations, spooky effects it’s an event not to miss!
Join Exmoor National Park Ranger Charlotte and Exmoor based Astronomers for a family friendly guided walk on Bossington Hill to observe the nature and dark skies of Exmoor. The 3km gentle walk begins at dusk and takes us to the top of Hurlstone Combe allowing our eyes to adjust before...
Experience travelling through the darkness of Exmoor as the Victorians did. In this special on-off service we'll be operating an extra train after sunset so you can experience steam on the moor under dark skies, exactly as passengers did at the turn of the century. Normal day fares will...
